To see, hear, or understand something or someone with difficulty, often because it is unclear or far away.
It was so foggy that I could barely make out the road ahead.
A: Can you read what that sign says? B: Not really, I can't make it out from here.
During the listening test, sometimes the recording isn't very clear, so it's hard to make out every word.
Common mistake
✗I couldn't make out of his handwriting.
✓I couldn't make out his handwriting.
'Make out' takes the object directly — no 'of'.
Tell it apart
I could just make out a shape in the fog.
barely see it
I could clearly see the shape.
see it easily
Use 'make out' when you are struggling to see, hear, or understand something, not when you are solving a problem.'Make out' is not the same as 'find out' (to discover information) or 'work out' (to solve a problem).
To say or pretend that something is true, often when it is not.
He made out that he was sick, but I think he just wanted a day off.
A: Did Sarah really finish the project by herself? B: She made out that she did, but I know Tom helped her.
Some people make out that they are experts in a subject, even if they don't have much experience.
Common mistake
✗He made out to be rich.
✓He made himself out to be rich. / He made out that he was rich.
Use 'make oneself out to be' or 'make out (that) + clause' — don't drop the reflexive.
Tell it apart
He makes out he's broke.
pretends / falsely claims
He pointed out he's broke.
stated it as a true fact
Use 'make out' when someone is pretending or giving a false impression, not when inventing a story from nothing.'Make out' (to claim or pretend) is different from 'make up' (to invent).
To kiss and touch someone in a sexual or romantic way, often as a precursor to further intimacy.
They were making out behind the gym after the party.
A: Did you see Jamie and Alex at the concert last night? B: Yeah, they were totally making out during the last song.
While some people believe public displays of affection, such as making out, are inappropriate, others see them as a natural expression of emotion.
Common mistake
✗They made out together for the first time.
✓They made out for the first time.
'Make out' is already reciprocal — 'together' is redundant; you 'make out WITH someone'.
Tell it apart
They were making out at the party.
kissing — AmE informal
I couldn't make out what they were saying.
barely hear / understand
'Make out' in this sense is informal and commonly used in spoken English, especially among younger speakers. It refers specifically to kissing and touching, not simply dating or being in a relationship. Avoid using it in formal writing or professional situations, as it carries a casual, sometimes slightly risqué connotation.This sense is unrelated to the B1 meaning of 'see or understand with difficulty' and the B2 meaning of 'claim or pretend.' Here, 'make out' refers to romantic or sexual activity, not perception or assertion.